Iron Cross

"As for the inferior races..." Hoffman chose his words carefully, "I have never wavered in my view that the Aryans are the best and noblest. But this does not mean that other races should not survive in this world. Times have changed, and your ideas must change accordingly. Occupying and controlling a country's territory is currently the stupidest approach, which means that you have to deal with hostile races that will never agree with you. Just like Russia has a large territory and a wide range of areas, but the power of many ethnic groups cannot be used by it - how many years has Ukraine been incorporated into Russia? So far, they still want independence and insist on taking territory that does not belong to their own ethnic group. If we force them together, they will only fall apart. Remember the Austro-Hungarian Empire? The Habsburgs controlled so many nations and territories, but they never recovered like us after their defeat. Unless we have the ability to kill all the people there, annexing them directly is not a smart solution. It's a pity that the opportunity to exterminate the Indians as recklessly as the Americans has never been seen again..."

The Wehrmacht actually disagreed with the "inferior race" statement. Although the officer corps did not understand Hoffman's current policy on the Eastern Front, they agreed with the withdrawal of the SS and the reduction or even eradication of ethnic cleansing. Keitel nodded to approve Hoffman's idea, but from his expression, it can be seen that he is still trying to digest this information.

"My next move may be even more difficult for you to understand. I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a note to Marshal Pétain: repatriate 150,000 to 200,000 French prisoners in advance. The French government can use this as a basis to restore some military strength. If they need it, we can also return some of the captured French weapons to them; the military demarcation line we currently occupy will be retracted a little bit, and some territories including Paris can be returned to the French government in advance. The French can move the capital back from Vichy to Paris; we define the Charles de Gaulle Organization as a French rebel organization, and its actions are not regarded as official French actions. We can assist the French government in arresting members of the organization; we will place orders for military and civilian products in France at fair and reasonable prices to help France strengthen its economic strength; we can also promise to return them to France at the end of the war. After the war, we will guarantee the integrity of France's territory and sovereignty (Alsace and Lorraine are traditional German regions). If the French government is willing to fight against Britain and the United States, we can also promise to help them restore the colonies seized by Britain and the United States. "

Keitel was shocked: "Führer, you are..."

"I want to exchange for the three major promises of the French: First, in this war, we are allowed to freely dispatch military forces within France and the territory controlled by France, but we promise not to interfere in France's internal affairs; second, France must pay some economic and military costs; third, the French must first respond and join the new European Union. "Hoffman said, "The economic cost is still being discussed in detail. In terms of military, I mainly want to gain control of some ships of the French fleet. "

"Führer, I personally think that even if we don't Concessions, Marshal Pétain dare not refuse our request. "

"He will not refuse, but if we do that, Marshal Pétain's prestige will be gone." Hoffman explained, "The Vichy government is currently a French government that is generally accepted by the French and is willing to be friendly to us. We should give reasonable, full and effective respect to such a regime. France was indeed defeated by us, but France's cultural heritage, its national characteristics, its proud historical achievements and its huge population are destined to not crawl at our feet forever - this is a country that has produced the Sun King and Napoleon. You can defeat it temporarily, but you can't conquer it forever. "

"But, Führer." Keitel was puzzled, "These things can be done after the war, why are you so anxious now?"

"It's not that I'm anxious, but it's almost too late. These notes were initially reached after our negotiators had private contact with French Prime Minister Laval. The Americans are ready to land in North Africa. Do you want to see the French there turn their guns on us?"

"Will Admiral Darlan choose to do this? Isn't he still ready to inherit Marshal Pétain's mantle?"

"Without external invasion, Darlan may remain neutral, but do you think he can withstand the pressure and temptation of the Americans? Especially the latter, if the Americans say that as long as Darlan joins the Allies, they will support him as the future head of France, do you think he will be tempted?"

"Aren't they supporting Charles de Gaulle?"

"So I have always said that senior generals, especially those above the rank of general, must strengthen their political studies." Hoffman said with a tone of regret, "Charles de Gaulle is Churchill's yes-man, and the Americans will not like him. They also need to choose a person who represents their interests in France. In the eyes of the Americans, Darlan is far more valuable and more obedient than Charles de Gaulle."

"Is this news reliable? "Keitel was anxious, "How many Americans will come? When will they come? I don't know the exact news."

"Yodl knows, he should have completed the plan. The Americans may have 3-5 divisions in the initial landing, and they will come next month." Hoffman smiled, "The Americans have legs, I can't stop them from coming, but I can find a way to make the Americans pay the price."

Keitel suddenly thought of something: "So, the ridiculous and shameless conditions you agreed to the Italian leader last time were also based on this reason?"

"Based on the same starting point." Hoffman explained, "The purpose of wooing the French is to deal with the North African campaign and create a new European atmosphere. The purpose of integrating our industrial capabilities and resources with Italy is for long-term operations, and to coordinate the independence and military forces of the countries on the Eastern Front. It is to enhance the combat power against the Soviet Union - the Supreme Command must convey these situations, and you must first try to understand them yourself, and then instill them in the middle and senior officers. You should understand more information but not cause confusion in your thinking. "

"Yes, Führer, I hope the Italians can see this clearly."

Hoffman said to himself: "I wonder what Vichy and Rome are thinking about it?"

While Hoffmann and Keitel were meeting with each other, Count Ciano was also listening to Mussolini's instructions.

Faced with the conditions listed by Hoffman, Mussolini responded with four points: 1. Transfer southern Sudan to Italy and ensure that Italy’s East African territories (including Eritrea and Ethiopia) directly border Libya; 2. Except for In addition to Tunisia, increase Italy's special interests in French Morocco; third, ensure the supply of Italian agricultural products and oil after Germany occupies the Middle East; fourth, enhance Italy's air defense capabilities and integrate them into the unified management of the German air defense system to resist British and American bombing.

"Are you really prepared to agree to the demands of the Germans?" Ciano asked puzzledly, "This is something related to Italy's vital interests. The cabinet and the people will have objections to you."

Mussolini sighed: "What if I don't agree? The Germans will not give up..."

"Or should we politely refuse?" Ciano persuaded. "I don't believe that the Germans will really let go of North Africa. At worst, we will occupy less territory."

"Forget it, promise the Germans."

"But……"

"Reply your conditions to them. If Adolf agrees, I am willing to transfer the navy, air force and industrial production to their management." The expression on Mussolini's face was very complicated, and this was the first time Ciano tasted it. A mixture of hesitation, distress and helplessness - he originally thought that the Prime Minister would not behave like this.

"Why?" He felt strange. This was not like Mussolini's style.

"It's actually very simple to understand. Industrial capacity is the property of capitalists, and the Germans cannot move away. After their transformation and upgrading is completed, it is equivalent to enhancing our production and technical strength. After the war, the Italian economy will make a qualitative leap; the Air Force And the command of the navy, if the Germans don't say it, won't they stop pointing fingers? Unless Italy doesn't want to fight this war anymore, it must have unified command. Even Churchill can willingly give up the command of the British army to the Americans. What do I have? Unwillingly? Besides, if I don’t give the Germans command, they may not completely listen to me.”

This sentence involves the industrial and military systems. Ciano cannot accept it, let alone defend it. He can only reassure Mussolini that the situation is not like this. The whole of Italy supports the leader wholeheartedly - although he himself Everyone thinks this sentence is so fake.

"The last and most important point is that this is the moment of decisive battle for the fate of Europe. Even if we win, we will have a large territory in North Africa. I can explain to the Italian people that in the future European Union, apart from the Germans, we will The Italians will also have a place - these can be explained to history; but what if they lose?" Mussolini suddenly stared at Ciano with wide eyes and said in a tone that made the latter feel scared and palpitated. , "It doesn't matter to other Italians, life goes on as usual, and you won't feel too much pain, but I'm afraid you and I will both go to the gallows, right?"

Ciano shuddered for no reason. It was the first time today that he realized that the leader and father-in-law who was always arrogant and vain had such deep fear and uneasiness lurking in his heart.

At this moment, he understood. He understood the dictator's sorrow and difficulty. He nodded gently: "I will convey my opinions to Berlin as soon as possible according to your instructions."

Mussolini didn't say much, only muttered vaguely: "The war has not yet reached its climax, but I feel that this day is coming soon..."